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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 





Copyright, 1906. 

BY THOS. GAWTHROP, 

Ten Mile, W. Va. 


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POEMS 


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THOS. GAWTHROP 

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LIBaxRYof GONG<^P::S ^ 
Two Oocies Received 

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COPY D. 


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TO THOSE WHOM IT MAY INTEREST. 


Early in life, after my conversion, I was deejply distressed 
in view of the lost and hopeless state of the multitude around 
me. Before I was 18 years old I felt that God had been very 
gracious to me in delivering me from a sense of condemna- 
tion and leading me to trust in the atoning merit of the Blood 
of Christ alone for a full and free salvation and thereby enjoy 
the peace of God that passeth all understanding. I felt that 
such wondrous display of mercy brought me under infinite 
obligations to serve Him in some way. So I said, as Saul, 
“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” at the time, as I 
thought, feeling willing to do whatever He enjoined upon me, 
but the word came back, “Go and declare the glad tidings of 
salvation.” I said, “O, Lord, I cannot do that, for I am very 
limited in common sense and equally so in education.” I 
was left for a time in terrible darkness, doubt and fears, with 
only an occasional glimpse of the Divine love I first felt. 
Through the day I gave myself up to absorbing worldly cares, 
but after lying down at night I would feel myself in the pres- 
ence and under the frowns of an offended God. So I would 
spend much of the night in bitter weeping and praying for 
the removal of such awful feelings and for the joy of salva- 
tion to be restored to me, but all in vain. I labored hard to try 
to pay for a little home, but every effort seemed to be thwarted, 
and my wife took down sick and for a year or two had to be 
under medical treatment, all adding to my terrible burdens 
of mind. Being a man of natural ambition and perhaps a 
very proud spirit, T was unwilling to try to do anything that 
T was not sure I could make a full hand at. 

But not being spoken to as Saul was, and knowing the 
weakness of my nature, I felt it would be extreme folly to 
harbor such thoughts. Another consideration was that my 
father was a minister, and my grandfather also, and this was 
only a constitutional weakness of heredity and therefore I 
should forever banish the thought, and accordingly I would 
make a desperate effort to do so; but something would occur 
that would bring it back onto me with re-enforcements and 
cause a terrible conflict again. 









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I was chosen as a Deacon of the Church very young, and 
read and studied to know and do my duty as such. Time went 
on and adversity seemed to attend me at every step until I 
was forced to give a deed of trust on my little home. 

The Civil War broke out and I was torn away from my 
wife and children and started off to Richmond as a prisoner 
of war. In great agony of mind I was marched off, but in a 
few moments the blessed Savior drew near and whispered, 
“It is I, be not afraid.” And as quickly as the storm ceased 
on the sea at His word, just so soon did I realize a great calm. 
From that time on I felt humbled and wiling to do or bear 
whatever He might lay upon me. 

After being in prison for some weeks an old deacon that 
found me out with other friends of my youth, and recommend- 
ed me as a peaceable man and advised me to accept of con 
scription for the sake of some liberty, which I did, and was 
marched into camp in the night and was turned into a shanty 
where a lot of men were card-playing, but the following night, 
through Divine assistance, I asked and got permission to 
hold worship, and before prayer was ended was wonderfully 
blessed. The next night, at time for prayer, our shanty was 
densely crowded, and one after, another was introduced as 
deacons and prominent brethren of our Faith from several 
different States. I turned it into a nightly prayer meeting, 
and a happier meeting I have never yet seen than the one we 
had. Almost every one seemed filled with the Spirit, and 
sung with the Spirit and understanding. 

Never before had I felt conscious of being blessed with 
an influence over my fellows worthy of notice. I then and 
there vowed before God, if He spared my life to get home 
safely, I would not shrink from duty any longer. 

Finally I was permitted to get home well, and found all 
well, but the loss of a good horse when I was taken, and anoth- 
er in my absence, added to my former adversities, 
seemed to put it out of my power to save my home. I went to 
my hay loft in distress of mind and told the Lord all about it, 
and asked Him, in good faith, if it was His will that I should 
try to preach the Word, to give me the proof by opening a 
way by which my home would be secured. Before I left my 


4 


knees I realized as sensibly it would be done as I did a week 
after when I sold a part of my surplus land and soon after 
enough to let me out. 

I went to the church and told them my long, hard struggle, 
and threw the responsibility on them. They gave me license 
for one year. I traveled considerably in destitute regions, 
and some times had liberty and great enjoyment, but most 
commonly was too much embarrassed to enjoy the service, 
ever feeling my efforts unsatisfactory. The next year license 
was given for an indefinite period. Soon after I was sent to 
supply the place of a pastor who could not fill his appoint- 
ment. I made the best preparation I could without using 
manuscript, but on Saturday I saw a highly educated girl 
come in. The thought hashed over me that she had come to 
m.ake sport of my feeble effort. It so unnerved me that it was 
near a total failure. I felt terribly, indeed. That night I re- 
viewed the subject and got in such agony of mind I had to 
leave the house to avoid disturbing the family with my over- 
whelming agony. I spent much of the night out. I looked 
back almost to my cradle, and everywhere I turned the eyes 
of my mind I could see nothing but the awful word in large 
golden letters, “Failure.” I reviewed nearly all the work of 
my life, and on every one was printed that awful word, 
“Failure.” I turned my eyes heavenward, but those golden 
letters obscured everything else. I looked toward the tomb, 
and there they were on the tombstones. I freely confessed 
to the justice of the night’s sore chastening and resolved 1 
would not dishonor the pulpit on Sunday, but would make an 
open confession of my weakness and folly, which I did, and 
found a sympathetic audience — hardly a Christian in the house 
that was not weeping. The young lady whose presence so un- 
nerved me showed as tender a sympathy as any. It really 
proved a profitable meeting, calling out several very interest- 
ing talks. At any rate, it left me a wiser man, and I con- 
tinued on for some years still in the service. 

When I chanced to get to the place of my appointment in 
time to hear the Methodist sermon going before my effort, in 
which he clearly held out the doctrine of final apostasy, it hap- 
pened so my subject suited to counteract the doctrine gone 


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before and was proved up by many passages too plain to mis- 
understand. One brother came and freely offered me one 
dollar for that discourse, but I did not take it, while two other 
brethren wrote me a letter asking me to discontinue my ap- 
pointment, saying I was doing more harm than good. That 
one word, harm, was too severe a shock to my nerves. Some- 
thing seemed to break or give way or tear in the region of my 
heart; so I sank down, believing I was dying for some min- 
utes. Our pastor and I were alone in the church. He was 
terribly scared until I rallied enough to let him know the 
trouble. 

That break or tear caused me incessant suffering night 
and day, without any known cessation, for nearly twelve years, 
and then got so it only hurts at times after great excitement. 
But I seldom or never undertake to talk in church but that 
dreadful word, do harm, haunts me, because I ever , feel I 
would rather die almost any death than to injure that Cause 
nearer to my heart by far than any other. So I very seldom 
attempt to talk publicly, though often much impressed to 
speak, but fear the harm. 

God knows who is in the wrong; I don’t. 

Thos. Gawthrop. 


PREFACE. 


The contents of this book were written under a great 
variety of circumstances, and for a great variety of occasions, 
and for quite a variety of purposes, yet with one leading de- 
sire that its influence might be for the good of some of my 
fellows. 

The fact that I only spent sixteen months in a school- 
room, all told, made me feel unfitted to write anything for 
publication, therefore, when collecting my little scraps of 
poems together into a book, it was only to preserve them for 
my children. 

A few having been called out for publication in the Bap- 
tist Banner years ago, led quite a number to insist on having 
the book published in book form, and thus gratify my numer- 
ous kindred and friends scattered abroad, and through God’s 
blessing it may redound to His glory in the good of souls. 

This is the earnest desire and prayer of the author. 

Tiios. Gawthrop, Sr. 


September 21st, 1906. 


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This first poem recorded here is the only one 
preserved. Written in early life, hut not the 
first written hy its author. 

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1 

THE SABBATH. 


Another precious day is gone, 

One which the Lord of Life hath blest, 

And Jesus, when on earth, declared 
This day was made for man to rest. 

And how has its blessed hours been spent 
By us whom His own hands have made? 

It was His Only Son He sent 

By whom our ransom price was paid. 

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And yet our Sabbaths oft are passed ** 

In idle words and vanity. 

Perhaps this one may be the last 
That we on earth shall ever see. 

And if it be our last on earth, 

O, may our souls be well prepared 
To leave this world with all its mirth 
And reign with Jesus Christ the Lord. 

Composed Bee. 22, 1844, hy T. Gawthrop. 
Another has heen found, written March 16, 
1844. 

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Just seventeen years have rolled away 
Since first I drew my breath. 

So many years I’ve went astray 
Pursuing endless death. 

At Jesus’ feet I never fell. 

And asked Him to forgive, 

But still I tread the road to hell 
Where wicked spirits live. 

Unless my wicked ways I mend. 

My portion must be there, 

Where torments never have an end — 

The thought how can I bear! 


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Tho’ I am blind, yet still I know 
I have a soul to save. 

My Bible plainly tells me so — 

Why should I disbelieve? 

Written tvhile under conviction of sin, hy 

Tlios. Gawthrop^ 

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There is a boundless store prepared 
For Christians here below, 

To which they daily have access 
For joy unmixed with woe. 

We there can get a rich supply. 

Of most delicious food. 

Our hungry souls to satisfy 
When destitute of good. 

Sweet consolation there is given 
To Christian travelers. 

To cheer them on their way to heaven 
Midst sorrows, doubts and fears. 

Tho’ sore afflictions weigh us down. 

Yet we again shall rise. 

When God’s sweet promises are strewm 
So plain before our eyes. 

The Bible is that precious store 
So inexhaustible. 

O, may we more its depths explore. 

And its true value prove. 

Tho, we are poor, and needy, too. 

Yet in it we may find 

That consolation which alone 
Gives Christians peace of mind. 

July 2, 1854 — Ttios. Gawthrop. 

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4 

Dear young friends, come, give attention. 

While I speak a word to you; 

Giving you a friendly warning 

Against the course you now pursue. 


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I have spent my life in pleasure, 

Vain amusements have I sought; 

All I craved was earthly treasure — 

For religion I craved not. 

Yet in time God sent His Spirit 
To invite me to His feast, 

And to warn me of my danger, 

Ere my day of grace was past. 

But the Holy Spirit’s strivings 
I resisted to the last, 

Choosing pleasure for a season. 

Till my fleeting youth was past. 

I resolved to be a Christian 
At some future period ; 

When a more convenient season 
Than the present had appeared. 

Fatal was this resolutiW, 

For alas! my doom it sealed. 

In the gulf of endless ruin 
Now my portion is revealed. 

Not a span is now before me. 

Ere I sink to endless hell. 

From whence there is no returning; 

There I must forever dwell. 

Sensibly I feel the gnawing 
Of the worm that dieth not. 

Working on my guilty ccnscience. 

Showing forth my fearful lot^ 

O, dear friends, do seek salvation 
When the Spirit strives with you; 

For it was procrastination 
That sinks me in endless woe. 

O, now is the time accepted. 

For tomorrow may not be. 

Jesus calls — do not reject Him — 

Hearken now. He speaks to thee. 

“Come, ye weary, heavy laden, 

I will give your conscience ease. 

Believe on Me and be forgiven. 

For in Me ye shall have peace.” 

Composed on an interesting ?iarrative related 
by Rev. Mr. D., of Boston, and written July 2, 
1854, by Ihcs. Cawtlircp. 


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5 

As a flock without a shepherd 
Can’t expect to prosper well, 

So the church without a pastor 

Soon its want of strength must feel. 

Tho, a sheep among the number 
May assume the shepherd’s name, 

If the enemies are numerous 
They will seldom save a lamb. 

If he seek to gain the favor 
Of his guilty fellow man 

He may talk and pray and labor 
Just the very best he can. 

Yet, while impure are his motives. 

And he seeks the praise of men, 

Efforts all will prove abortive 
And his prayers and labors vain. 

April 16, 1854 — Thos. Gawthorp. 
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“JfY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOUV 

The Saviour, in His holy will. 

Bequeathed to every legal heir 

A treasure which remaineth still 
To every one a liberal share. 

That treasure is a holy peace 

That dwells in every Christian breast. 

Its presence there should never cease 
If we would gain the heavenly rest^ 

1854 — T. Gawthrop. 
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7 

When the boisterous, heaving ocean, 

Upon which the Christian sails. 

Is in constant, wild commotion. 

Then the fervent prayer prevails. 

Tho’ the waves may beat around us. 

And the tempest loudly roar; 

If our hope in Christ is anchored. 

Safely will we reach the shore. 

Written April 15, 1855, hy Thos. Gawthrop. 


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8 ^ 

FIRST SAMUEL, 17th CHAPTER. 


The Philistines are in the lend, 

Their mighty armies gather near; 

Their bravest men are in command, 

Bidding their fellows not to fear. 

Their champion, Goliath, seeks 
A combat with the chiefest man. 

Hear him! what swelling words he speaks: 
“Come out and fight with me who can." 

But Israel’s armies quake with fear 
When they behold Goliath great. 

Daily for forty -days draw near. 

His impious language to repeat. 

Now, we behold a shepherd boy 

Approach the camp with nimble feet; 

His countenance seems lit with joy 
As he his brethren comes to greet. 

He hears this Philistine’s demand. 

And asks what honor shall be shown 

To any one who shall withstand. 

And take his life and save his own. 

His words were carried to the king; 

A sword and arrow soon are given. 

But here the youth prefers his sling 
And pebbles to all weapons given. 

With confidence in Israel’s king, 

The stripling moved with rapid pace. 

And casts a pebble from his sling — 

The giant falls upon his face. * 

Young David runs with victor’s speed 
And sets his feet upon his foe^ 

He takes the sword Goliath^ used. 

And strikes his head off at a blow. 

The Philistines became dismayed ^ 

When they beheld their champion fall ; 

The Israelites pursued their host. 

And slew their strength and took the spoil. - 


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So, when our enemies within 
Seem like an army in array, 

And place in front their giant sin 
The feeble spirit to dismay. 

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Then let us trust in grace Divine, 

For strength in every time of need. 

Like David o’er the Philistine 

We’ll victors be — ’tis thus decreed. 

May 29, 1864 Thos. Gawthrop. 

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9 

Language of the last look of J. B. Nixon, a 
fellow-prisoner, on parting. Written June 30, 
1864, by Thos. Gawthrop. 

Dear friend, I now must say adieu. 

Perhaps on earth to meet no more; 

But happy days I’ve spent in view 
Of meeting on the heavenly shore. 

Sore trials and afflictions come 

To wean us from the things of time, 

While in this wilderness we roam. 

And fit us for a happier clime. 

Be diligent, and let us strive 
To do our Father’s will below; 

And may the Holy Spirit give 

Us peace of mind where e’er we go. 

I’ve many friends, and children dear. 

For whom I feel solicitude; 

I long to see them and to hear 

Them speak of Christ’s Atoning Blood. 

But should I never be allowed 
On earth to realize this sight. 

My soul in meek submission bowed 

Would say “My God doeth all things right.” 

Plis promises afford me strength 

To stand midst all the storms and strife. 

And giveth hope that will at length 
Be swallowed up in endless life. 


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10 

This is also concerning the same dear friend 
and brother. 

Another pilgrim friend is free 

From earthly sorrows, toils and pains; 

His soul is in eternity, 

Where love and peace triumphant reigns. 

Sadly, indeed, the loss we feel. 

Yet what our Father does is best^ 

His Word the way of life reveals 
And leads the soul to endless rest. 

We feel assured our friend has left 
The scenes of earth for lasting bliss; 

Altho’ we sorely are bereft. 

Eternal happiness is his. 


His dying words console my heart 

When wrung with anguish day by day; 
“I feel I’m ready to depart,” 

Said he before he left his clay. 


His life gave light to all around; 

His meek and lowly spirit proved 
He heard the Gospel’s joyful sound. 
And in the narrow pathway moved. 


His last request or dying wish 
Was that his children might pursue 
The straight and narrow path of peace 
And shun the way to endless woe. 

That they might reach the land of rest. 
For which the weary pilgrim sighs; 
Enjoy those mansions Christ prepared 
For true believers, in the skies. 


That parents and children might unite 
In songs of everlasting praise 
To God, whose love was infinite. 
Displayed in His redeeming Grace. 


Thos. Gawthrop. 


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REFLECTIONS IN PRISON. 

Luke 18:1. 

O, why should I faint, when I know of a truth, 
That the Father is guiding my way; 

That He watched o’er my path, both in child- 
hood and youth, 

When my feet were oft running astray. 

Tho, dangers have threatened me on every hand 
He has kept me securely from harm. 

Why, then, should I faint in an enemy’s land, 

Or give manifest signs of alarm. 

O, why should I faint, tho’ adversity frown. 

Or the floods of affliction o’erflow? 

At the end of the race I am promised a crown. 
For which I all trials forego. 

O, why should I faint, tho’ the tempest may 
roar. 

And the storms vent their fury around? 
Importunate prayer has prevailed oft before. 
And the penitent shelter has found. 

O, why should I faint at the messenger’s voice. 
Who is sent for to call me away? 

The Lord is my Saviour — in Him I’ll rejoice 
In the dawn of eternity’s day. 

Where I can unite with the happifled throng. 
Who were washed in the Blood of the Lamb; 
In ascriptions of praise with a glorified tongue. 
For redemption through Jesus’ name. 

Written July 1, 1866, hy Thos. Gaivtfirov 

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1 ^ 


Lines on the death of sister Sarah F. Moore ^ 

Behold, the church must mourn. 

That death has snatched away 
One who for years has borne 
The burden of the day. 

Alas! the parents’ heart 

The dreadful stroke must bear; 

All earthly friends must part. 

Yet hope forbids dispa ir. 


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Blest hope that enters in 
To that within the vail, 

Will certainly sustain - 
Till time and sense shall fail. 

Behold that vacant chair, 

Once by a mother filled; 

Think of that load of care 

With which a heart is thrilled. 

The husband’s heaving breast 
But indicates the woe 

That cannot be expressed — 

Yet weighs the spirit low. 

To see the children mourn. 

And cannot comfort give; 

O, how the heart is torn 
With anguish thus to live! 

But anguish stops not there; 

Each child must bear a part 

That borders on dispair — 

How terrible the smart! 

Yet, turn another page 

And take a second glance;- 

In meditation now engage: 

Think on God’s providence. 

The church its member lost; 

Tho’ dead, her works still live; 

Tho’ bitten by the frost. 

The fiowers some fragrance give. 

Her deeds of kindness, fresh 
In memory, still survives; 

God calls us by her death 
To more devoted lives. 

Her happy death should teach 
Us still to persevere; 

By works of righteousness to preach 
To those whose ears will hear. 

The joyful look she gave. 

While bidding friends farewell. 

Declared defiance to the grave 
Or vanquished powders of hell. 


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Each follower of the Lamb, 

Who saw her breathe her last, 

Could but rejoice in Jesus’ name. 

On whom her all was cast. 

The blessed Word declares 
That those who shall endure. 

Still faithful through this earthly life. 

Shall endless life secure. 

Written 1876 t)y Thos. Gaivthrop. 
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13 

WHAT THE DEVIL TOLD ME. 

The following lines were written m memory 
of a young woman, in had health, who attended 
a revival meeting at Centerville, and was, hy 
the writer and others, urged to seeJc the Lord 
now. Her reply was, ^'It is time enough yet.^’ 
The next day she came to church and soon got 
sick and left, and in a few hours reached a 
state of unconsciousness, apparently, and could 
not he restored, continuing so for tivo or three 
days, and so passed away. “ ^Tis time enough'" 
continued to sound in my ears until it called 
forth the following lines: 

’Tis time enough, my youthful friend, I hope 
you will take heed. 

Don’t come to Jesus Christ today — wait till 
you feel your need. 

’Tis not worth while for you to pray, nor for 
his mercy call. 

Till you can feel the wrath of God on you 
about to fall. 

Time enough while you can see some comrades 
stay away; 

If you intend to come at all, you need not come 
to-day. 

You may, perhaps, feel moved to-night, if not I 
would not go. 

You need not mind those prayers and tears — ’tis 
\ nothing but a show. 

But when you can no longer stay, but feel com- 
pelled to yield, 

Till then you never need to pray, nor think your 
doom is sealed. 


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Till you have gained your fill of wealth and 
what you most enjoy, 

You may be sure ’tis time enough — still live in 
my employ. 

And all your w^ages shall be sure as they have 
ever been, 

So, do not be persuaded now to cut off right 
hard sin. 

And leave your master at a time when he most 
needs your aid — 

’Tis time enough, I tell you now, so do not be 
afraid. 

But still enjoy the things of time while they 
shall joy afford. 

And seek not for a better clime nor try to serve 
the Lord. 

For that would make you quite a slave — you 
never could feel free 

To gratify your fieshly mind as you can do with 
me. 

Although some souls may be cut off, who have 
been vile, indeed. 

That will not likely be your fate — it is not thus 
decreed. 

’Tis only feeble-minded souls that try to serve 
the Lord. 

’Tis time enough — be of good cheer — depend 
upon my word. 

And when death stares you in the face, then 
call and God will hear; 

His mercy is so very great you never need dis- 
pair. 

And should He disappoint your hopes when to 
the gate you’ve come. 

You can return to me again and still find ample 
room. 


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14 

RESPONSE TO WHAT THE DEVIL SAID 

But hark, another voice I hear, quite full of 
counsel wise. 

It comes from One whose Word is sure in earth 
and Paradise. 


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It bids you hear, take heed and live — pursue 
the narrow way, 

And promises of good are made to those who 
seek to-day. 

To-day, if you will hear His voice, then harden 
not your heart, 

And if you wish to come to Christ, from all 
your sins depart. 

And he that cometh must believe and entertain 
no doubt 

That those who do draw near in faith He never 
will cast out. 

Now is the time the Word declares. No men- 
tion here is made 

Of any future time as ours— ^then, sinners, be 
afraid. 

To lightly think of precious time you never can 
recall 

If once you waste it, it is gone, with it, perhaps, 
your all. 

All hope of heaven and endless joys may be 
forever fled. 

Because you slighted Jesus’ call, who suffered 
in your stead. 

His Word declares His Spirit shall not always 
strive with man. 

And further adds our life is short — it measures 
but a span. 

O, then, what folly to presume on some time 
yet to come 

To seek to make your peace with God and gain 
a blissful home. 

When to repent and come to Christ, who is the 
sinner’s friend. 

Can better far be done this day than any God 
will send. 

To serve the Lord, it must be done in spirit 
and in truth. 

And none can And a better time than in the 
days of youth. 

Seek while the Saviour may be found, and call 
on Him while near. 

Before the heart with sin abounds, producing 
slavish fear. 


19 


Fears that your day of Grace is past — your 
conscience also seared, 

And unbelief gets such a hold, God’s name is 
not revered. 

But should your heart incline to seek and walk 
in wisdom’s ways. 

Let not the tempter longer lead to dangerous 
delays. 

But hear the blessed Saviour’s voice, so full of 
love divine: 

“Come, weary, heavy laden souls, to Me your 
all resign. 

And I will give thy spirit rest, while here on 
earth you stay. 

And when I call you hence, a rest In everlast- 
ing day. 

Written Jan. 23, 1876, hy Thos^ Gawthrop. 
o 

15 

John 14:1. 

“Let not your heart be troubled,” tho’ waves 
should lash you sore; 

A helping hand is near you to lead you safe to 
shore. 

Tho’ tempests rage around you, and lightnings 
rend the sky. 

The Master gently whispers: “Be not afraid, 
’tis I.” 

“Let not your heart be troubled,” tho’ friends 
around you fall; 

Be faithful to your duty and move at mercy’s 
call. 

For every sore affliction and trial we endure. 

Is ordered by the Master to make our life more 
pure. 

“Let not your heart be troubled,” the blessed 
Jesus said. 

This fills my soul with rapture and lifts my 
weary head. 

While wading through afflictions, with many 
doubts and fears. 

To know the King of Heaven regards my fall- 
ing tears. 


20 


And sympathizes with me in all my bitter 
sighs, 

Designing all as blessings, tho’ often in dis- 
guise. 

The Comforter He promised to every faithful 
friend. 

“Let not your heart be troubled,” but trust him 
to the end. 

He’s ever watching o’er us, tho’ often clouds 
arise, 

And hides His blissful presence from our near- 
sighted eyes. 

His promises are many, to which we still must 
cling. 

Although we walk in darkness, Christ Jesus is 
our King! 

He purchased our redemption at an enormous 
cost; 

Then will He likely leave us and let our souls 
be lost? 

No! for He plainly tells us His word can never 
fail; 

He is our mediator — through Him we shall pre- 
vail. 

“Let not your heart be troubled,” tho’ satan and 
his host 

Should all encamp against you, stand firmly at 
your post; 

Remembering Christ has vanquished the pow- 
ers of death and hell. 

And tho’ we often suffer, He doeth all things 
well. 

TJios. Gawthrop, 1876. 

0 

16 

John 6:67. 

“And will ye also go away?” the blessed Sa- 
viour saith. 

And join the throng now in the way to ever- 
lasting death? 

And thus reduce the little hand, chosen to bless 
the world — 

Increase their burdens now so great, whose ban- 
ners are unfurled? 


21 


And will ye also go away, because of friends 
who go, 

And cease to strive to save a soul from never- 
ending woe? 

When God has blessed you with a gift of in- 
tellectual power. 

Sufficient to accomplish much in life’s auspi- 
cious hour? 

And will ye also go away, because of trials 
great? 

Consider not that love that saved us from our 
low estate 

What agony He bore, when lo! His sweat were 
drops of blood! 

While on His burdened heart was laid, for us, 
the wrath of God. 

Ah, will ye also go away, and leave such love as 
this; 

The fountain-head from whence must flow 
eternal life and bliss? 

Tho’ trials multiply as frogs through Pharoah’s 
wide domain. 

Be steadfast in the Holy Word; doubt not that 
God doth reign. 

But think and ask, as some of old, to whom. 
Lord, shall I go? 

When all the changing powers of earth prove 
but a wily foe. 

And nothing gives substantial joy but things 
that are divine. 

Then let us sing with heart and soul, “This por- 
tion, Lord, be mine.” 

Written March, 1891, l)y Thos. Gawthrop. 

o 

17 

Swift-winged time is now fluttering near 

Declaring the close of my forty-first year. 

And whether ’twill be the last visit he’ll make, 

Awakens reflections which lead me to take 

A retrospect glance o’er the years I have past. 

For my spiritual good should this be the last. 

And strive to improve the hours that remain, 

That my last days bring to me no anguish or 
pain. 


22 


Too much of my time, I am sure, has been 
spent 

In neglecting known duties which often have 
sent 

A feeling of sadness and sorest regret 
Remembering in judgment they all must be 
met. 

Another glance brings crooked paths to my view 
In which I oft roved, the forbidden to do. 

The voice of the Saviour too seldom I heed, 
Altho’ He in mercy still for me doth plead. 

I am all imperfection — there’s nothing that’s 
good 

That I can discover in vile flesh and blood. 

So, but for atonement on Calvary made. 

No ground for a hope could I ever have had. 

A being redeemed from the thraldom of sin. 
And when my race ends an inheritance in 
The land of the holy, where sorrow’s unknown. 
And join with the glorifled saints around the 
throne. 

In chanting the praises of Jesus, whose love 
For poor rebel sinners brought Him from 
above. 

To suffer and die upon Calvary’s tree, 

To pay the debt justice demanded of me. 

His Word He has left us to teach us the way 
That wisdom established that we might not 
stray. 

His Spirit instructs us his footsteps trace. 

And assures us of rest at the end of the race. 

Written March 16, 1868, Iry Thos. Gawthrop, 

0 

18 

LINES ON UNBELIEF. 

Written March, 1875, hy Thos. Gawthrop. 

What prompted our old mother Eve to bring 
distress and grief 

On all her race in after years hut fatal unbelief? 
What awful pangs have sent the souls of her 
posterity 

From which in time they never can become 
completely free. 


23 


What reasons could the ancients give why they 
did not repent 

When warned by Noah faithfully, who by the 
Lord was sent? 

The taint they had inherited back in their fed- 
eral head 

Was manifested day by day in what they done 
and said. 

What caused the wrath of God to fall on Sod- 
om’s beauteous plain, 

And burn to ashes all its wealth with fire and 
brimstone rain? 

Yea, all the cities round about found not the 
least relief. 

And yet directly brought about because of un. 
belief. 

Old Egypt, too, speaks very loud on this im- 
portant theme. 

To those who mind her history— King Pharoah 
and his dream; 

How long he disobeyed the Lord and stubbornly 
refuse 

To grant old Moses’ request, releasing all the 
Jews. 

And when he had been overcome by great 
Jehovah’s power. 

And let them go with all they had in an auspi- 
cious hour — 

How this bold monster — unbelief — still urged 
them to pursue. 

Regardless of what Moses done, or what he still 
might do. 

And heedlessly the king did yield and take his 
mighty host. 

And overtook the Israelites down on the Red 
Sea Coast. 

Here Moses’ rod we see stretched out at God’s 
direct command, — 

The waters of the sea go back before this Jew- 
ish band. 

Old Pharoah’s host moves boldly on, deter- 
mined to subdue " 

God’s chosen people and bring back the many 
or the few. 


24 


But unseen hands are now employed the char- 
iot wheels to take, 

That they should drag so heavily that speed 
they could not make. 

Till Moses led the Israelites toward the other 
shore, 

When, at God’s word, his hand he raised and 
stretched out as before, 

When, lo! the waters of the deep returned in 
strength again 

And swallowed up their enemies — King Pha- 
roah and his men. 

’Twas unbelief that led them on to perish in 
the deep. 

And till the Judgment Day shall dawn their 
dust remains asleep^ 

But, O, the thought that thrills my soul — 
where, then, must they appear? 

With satan and his countless host, the wrath 
of God to hear. 

My thoughts come down to modern times, 
where multitudes I see. 

Who are in prison cells shut up, who might 
have still been free. 

Had they not listened to the voice of this most 
deadly foe. 

This monster — unbelief — who brings his every 
victim low. 


Jerusalem, in pomp and show, refuses to accept 

The lowly Jesus when he comes, who o’er it 
sorely wept. 

,Twas naught but unbelief that caused them not 
to understand 

The doctrines he so clearly taught, and heed 
not His command. 


This treacherous monster led the van to Cal- 
vary’s bloody scene. 

Inspiring officers and men with unbecoming 
mien; 

Inciting them to treat with scorn the Saviour 
of mankind. 

And put Him to that 'shameful death to mur- 
derers assigned. 


25 


And yet, with all the proof we have in Script- 
ure, old and new. 

That man can never save himself, the number 
still is few 

That will believe with saving faith that Christ 
alone imparts 

The cleansing, efficacious Word that purifies 
our hearts. 

Vast multitudes in endless pain had friends 
and kindred dear. 

Who taught them right and for them prayed — 
yet still they would not hear. 

’Twas unbelief they listened to, and so believed 
a lie, 

Because congenial to their fiesh, therefore were 
doomed to die. 

The winecup oft has been the means the mon- 
ster has employed 

To lead gay, thoughtless souls astray who easily 
decoyed, 

Have took the draught in sporting glee, not 
feeling any harm 

Until the habit grew so strong they could not 
break the charm. 

Then in strong chains of unbelief he fastened 
them secure, 

And dragged them on in misery to sink to rise 
no more. 

Then while this is a Gospel day, bid unbelief 
depart. 

And give the Holy Spirit possession of your 
heart. 


0 

19 

Long may the temperance banner wave 
High in a healthy breeze, 

And every man of any note 
Abhor do-nothing ease. 

But be aroused to act with zeal 
And do a Christian’s part 
In leading whiskey men to feel 
They have^a treacherous heart. 


26 


And should at once be robbed of all 
Their soul-destroying powers, 

And stop their trade and let it fall 
In this free land of ours. 

Then soon would come the happy day 
When sorrow’s briny tear 
From mother’s eyes be wiped away 
By sober children dear. 

And fathers, too, who oft have lain . 

And wallowed in the mire. 

Shall shun their course, avoid much pain. 

And hoist the banner higher. 

Written in 1876 t)y Thos. Gawthrop^ 

o 

20 

Why art thou cast down, O, my soul. 

While Jesus is pleading for thee 
The wounded His power makes whole. 

And also from bondage sets free. 

Then why longer lie in the dust? 

Remember His mercies of old. 

And look with an unfailing trust. 

For His love hath not half yet been told. 

Why are thou cast down, O, my soul. 

When His Spirit bids thee draw near? 

Let this thought thy bosom console. 

That His ear is attentive to hear. 

Then why be cast down, O, my soul. 

When God is for thee without doubt? 

Who can His great power control, 

That thou shouldst from heaven be left out? 

Written Nov., 1878, hy Thos. Gawthrop. 
o 

21 

Seeking for Jesus when He is so near. 

And bidding you daily His name to revere. 

Yea, pleading with you in His accents of love. 
To lay up your treasure in heaven above. 

And cling not to earth and its pleasures so vain, 
-Altho’ they may strive your affections to gain. 
Heed not their allurements; they will certainly 
deceive — 

Instead of rejoicing they will cause you to 
grieve. ^ 


27 


Seeking for Jesus! Oh, many were they 
Who sought for and followed Him day after day 
To feast on the loaves and the fishes He blest, 
And not to secure a haven of rest. 

Yes, seeking for Jesus to merely obtain 
Relief from their bodily suffering of pain; 

And so, at the present day, many we find. 

But seeking relief from their burden of mind. 

Not for to follow and honor through life. 
Regardless of scoffers they meet in the strife; 
Not because they believe that He suffered and 
died, 

A mansion in glory for them to provide. 

But only to shun the great dangers they see, 

Of writhing in torment in Eternity. 

When such is the motive, it is seeking in vain; 
Dishonoring the Lord, Who for sinners was 
slain. 

If seeking for Jesus, no time should be lost; 
Salvation secure! O, forget not its cost! 

Just think of His suffering and death on the 
tree. 

To open a channel of mercy for thee. 

O, heed not the scoffs or the frowns of the gay; 
They only are striving to lead you astray; 

That you come not to Jesus to the joy of your 
soul. 

For where He has wounded He is sure to make 
whole. 

Written hy Thos. Gawthrop, 1873. 

0 

The beauteous scenes of nature, below and in 
the skies. 

So fills the heart with rapture, earth seems a 
Paradise; 

But soon a cloud of darkness spreads over and 
around. 

And hiding all our pleasures — nowhere can 
they be found. 

Then sorrows crowd upon us in multitude so 
great. 

We think no other human endures so sad a 
fate; 


28 


Thus groping on in darkness, with no hopeful 
star in view, 

We suffer sorest anguish and know not what to 
do. 

Then comes a glorious message, which sheds a 
ray of hope 

Around our gloomy pathway and seems to 
bear us up. 

It is to rebel sinners, such as we long have 
been ; 

Redemption from this darkness — full freedom 
from our sin. 

The terms on which it’s offered is sorrow for 
our sin. 

Producing true repentance and agony within; 

A strong desire of turning away from sin to 
God, 

And follow where He leadeth, tho’ thorny be 
the road. 

The precious blood of Jesus is offered free to 
all; 

By faith we must receive it, and bow at mer- 
cy’s call. 

Although our sins, like mountains, seem tower- 
ing to the skies. 

Its virtue is so wondrous it will for all suffice. 

It cleanses all pollution, and sins of deepest 
dye. 

And fits the soul for glory, to reign with Christ 
on high. 

Then is that Blood not precious — who can its 
value tell? 

The most ungodly sinner is by it saved from 
hell. 

What praise and adoration is to the Father due, 

For such a great salvation that maketh old 
things new! 

Tho’ low we may be sunken in sin’s deep, miry 
clay. 

The precious Blood of Jesus will raise to end- 
less day. 

And give a free admittance into those mansions 
fair. 

He tells us in the Bible He has gone to pre- 
pare. 


29 


And also crowns of glory, that fadeth not 
away, 

For all His faithful servants who walk the 
narrow way. 

Written Aug., 1874, hy Thos. Gawthrop. 
0 

LINES SUGGESTED BY HEARING A RAIL- 
ROAD SPEECH BY DANIEL FARNS- 
WORTH, OF BUGKHANNON. 


A railroad to destruction, right though a happy 
land, 

And kept in running order by Satan’s faithful 
band ; 

And passengers by hundreds are daily carried 
through. 

And those who buy through tickets soon plunge 
in endless woe. 

Unlike all other railroads, no train is coming 
back, 

But all are onward moving upon the same old 
track. 

One asks, who is the founder of such a fright- 
ful scheme? 

And who the bold conductor, and where he gets 
his steam? 

And who the general agents to keep the road 
supplied? 

And who will get free passage and who will be 
denied? 

Your questions I will answer, the very best I 
know. 

From careful observation of an inveterate foe. 

Distiller is the founder, his alcohol the steam. 

The devil the conductor that runs the whole 
machine; 

' The vendors are the agents, their tickets are 
the rum; 

True friends they grant free passage, especially 
to some. 

And yet not all their favorites can get their 
‘ passage clear; 

They find while in their journey their tickets 
cost them dear. 


30 


Their health and fortune ruined, of character 
quite void, 

And brightest hopes of happiness eternally de- 
stroyed. 

The mode of getting passage is easier by far 

Upon this death.bound monster than any other 
car. 

The grade and fare both differ from other roads 
you see; 

You step down on the platform, oft entering 
without fee. 

When you have taken passage and steam is 
getting high. 

You dread no want nor danger, nor heed 
friends’ bitter cry; 

But still keep adding fuel, and thus increasing 
speed. 

And seldom think of stopping to comfort hearts 
that bleed. 

In fact the stopping stations, so very far be- 
tween. 

Are seldom reached in lifetime by those who 
take this train. 

Another noted danger I wish to call to mind: 

Its power of attraction in fetters often bind. 

You feel no inclination to cast a wishful eye 

Toward the land of promise, the Christian’s 
home on high. 

And sure no living mortal your course can e’er 
arrest, 

Unless their feeble efforts by grace divine be 
blest. 

The chances for escaping are found so very few 

When once this train’s in motion, you know not 
what to do. 

Your powers of will soon leave; oh, wretched is 
your state. 

For when you see your danger, so often ’tis too 
late. 

Then all ye fellow-travelers, who journey on 
life’s way. 

Avoid this train so noted for colors rich and 
gay. 


31 


Take time, move slow and steady, keep on a^ 
rising grade. 

And tho’ the way seems longer, its pleasures 
never fade. 

Buy not those colored tickets, whose face ap- 
pears so fair. 

For they seek to deceive you and lead you to 
despair. 

Take passage on the vessel that runs to endless 
day, 

And tho’ the fare seems harder, the end will 
amply pay. 

The Captain of the vessel is master of the 
storm. 

And carries aH safe over who to His will con- 
form. 

The passage, too, is gratis, and none will be 
denied. 

Who love this gracious Captain, their wants 
shall be supplied. 

f 

And He will safely land them upon the heaven- 
ly shore. 

For millions has He carried, and still is land- 
ing more. 

Then come, secure a passage, and wait not for 
an hour; 

The Captain’s name is Jesus, God of all grace 
and power. 

Written in 1869 t)y Thos. Gawthrop. 

0 

CHRISTS KINGDOM SET UP. 


When God sent His Son to visit our earth. 

In the form of an infant of lowliest birth. 

He set up a kingdom and declared it should be 

Destined to continue eternally. 

His laws and commandments most clearly He 
gave. 

Thro’ keeping of which He assured He would 
save. 

But most of His comrades denounce Him as 
king, 

And no heartfelt offering of sacrifice bring. 


32 


While He kept to perfection the letter of law, 
Yet He or His subjects must suffer for, ah! 

The penalty due for the wrongs they have done 
For nothing but death could suffice to atone. 

So, the wondrous love that He had for our race 
Led Him to accept of the transgressor’s place. 
And die on the cross a death of great shame 
Allotted to criminals of deepest stain. 

But in vain was He bound in the 'fetters of 
death. 

For He burst them asunder and took back His 
breath. 

And, after appearing to many, he rose 
Triumphant to heaven in spite of His foes. 

Yet He sent forth His Spirit, as before He had 
said, 

By which all His children henceforth should be 
led. 

He calls them not servants, and promises grace 
For the sorest of trials while running their 
race. 

He prays that the Father may keep them se- 
cure. 

That all tribulations they may freely endure; 
And thereby may honor their Teacher and 
Friend, 

By faithfully serving Him unto the end. 

TUos. GawtJirop, 1886. 


o 

When Jesus had drank to the dregs of the cup. 
Of infinite .suffering to transgressors due. 
Then cried to the Father and His Spirit gave up 
To secure free salvation for me and for you. 

His body, so shamefully mangled and torn. 

Was by friendly hands to a sepulcher borne. 
Where Joseph had offered to have his Lord laid, 
And gladly accepted by those rendering aid. 

But His foes now remember of hearing Him 

Sciy 

He would rise from the dead upon the third 
day; 


33 


So they ask for a guard, then sealed the tomb 
fast, 

Until the foretold third day should be passed. 

Pilate said “Go, make it as sure as you can,” 
While not fully conscious of the fidelity of 
man. 

His heart was so woefully hardened in sin. 
The wonders he witnessed had no power 
within. 

Ah, how many sinners pursue the same course. 
And harden their hearts and grow steadily 
worse, 

Forgetting the power that created all things, 
And still holds the scepter as King of all Kings. 

Not looking ahead at the danger before. 
Although well assured they must enter death’s 
door; 

And if God’s salvation was slighted till now. 
With anguish unspeakable their knees they 
must bow. 

Then, dear fellow-sinner, hear a word from a 
friend. 

And careful attention to ‘this message please 
lend. 

For He that was laid in Joseph’s new tomb. 
Triumphantly rose and dispersed all its gloom. 

And thereby completed the wondrous plan 
Of human redemption, now offered to man. 
Repentance of sin and faith in His blood 
Are the only conditions to gain peace with God. 

o 

LINES SUGGESTED BY VACANT PULPIT 
AFTER THE PASTOR^S DEATH, 


He is not dead, but only sleeps, 

Yet sadness fills my heart. 

And while my soul in silence weeps. 
He shares the better part. 

The sacred desk he used to -fill 
So faithfully and meek. 

Although unoccupied, yet still 
In trumpet tones doth speak. 


34 


It bids the Christian not to fear, 

His warfare soon shall cease; 

For him a happy day is near — 

A day of endless peace. 

Its language to the contrite soul 
Is ever persevere; 

Believe in Christ and he made whole; 
Arise; be of good cheer! 

And labor only to secure 
The pearl of price immense; 

An interest in that Blood that stained 
The brow of Innocence. 

For life at best is but a span; 

Its fleeting pleasures vain; 

And those who seek Christ early can 
A glorious crown obtain. 

But those who take delight in sin, 

And heed no warning voice. 

Can never be admitted in 
To everlasting joys. 

To such, its language, loud and clear, 
Declares a needful haste — 

The Judgment Day is drawing near! 
Thou hast no time to waste. 

0 

CASTLE THUNDER POEM. 


And must I repine when troubles arise. 

Or shall I to Jesus draw near; 

Uplifting to heaven my sorrowing eyes. 
Remembering my treasure is there. 

I know that I can but despair if I look 
To the future and borrow its woes; 

And so in the volume of memory’s book 
Each page many trials disclose. 

Oh, that I could live free from sorrow and pain 
While on my pilgrimage below, 

And then high in glory with angels could reign, 
No more of earth’s trials to know. 


35 


But, ah, I remember that Jesus, the Son, 

Whose life was a pattern for me. 

Said “Not my will. Oh, Father, but Thine be 
done, 

Though my life shall a sacrifice be.” 

The pain I most freely endure for to save 
Those who will accept of My love; 

Redeem them from sorrow, sin, death and the 
grave. 

And lead them to glory above. 

My troubles all vanish while gazing I stand 
Beholding such wondrous grace; 

I love Him, I’ll praise Him and do His com- 
mand. 

And bask in the smiles of His face. 

So now I am happy, tho’ trials assail. 

And the waves of adversity foam. 

I’m assured that His promises never can fail. 
And He ’s gone to prepare me a home. 

Where the weary shall rest in His loving em- 
brace; 

No sickness nor sorrow alloy. 

While unending ages continue their race, 

Blest Jesus fills heaven with joy. 

0 

ON HEALTH. 


Oh, friend of the friendless, the lowly and poor. 

Are blessed with thy presence, which e’er will 
secure 

A gleam of bright sunshine along life’s rough 
way. 

Encouraged by hope, we yield not to dismay. 

But when thou hast left us the world’s filled 
with gloom; 

Yet while thou art present we dread not the 
tomb. 

Our toils on the journey of life, though quite 
hard. 

Are still borne with patience when we’re not 
debarred. 

From the pleasures of hope, thy true partner 
and friend. 

Who is faithful through life, standing firm to 
the end; 


36 


We feel, thou art blessed, the rich do not share 

Any more of thy presence in their luxuries rare 

Than the poorest, whose toiling from morning 
till night. 

Yet but barely enough to keep in toiling plight. 

In that thou dost not show more respect to the 
proud 

Than the lowly and humble, we extoll the 
aloud. 

We ask whence thou comest, how long wilt 
thou stay 

In this sin-stricken world swiftly passing 
away. 

Thy place of nativity must he on high, 

And God thy great author who built earth and 
sky. 

If so, then thy mission is purely of love, 

And when it is finished thy home is above. 

Then what kind of company suits thee the best, 

Is a question with me of profound interest. 

The company with whom most time now I 
spend 

Is that which is prudent, and never depend 

On intemperate habit for pleasure or gain, 

But earnestly labor the poor to sustain. 

Whose parents and friends my foes have cut 
down. 

And show them no mercy, but still on them 
frown. 

My foes are so many, and spread through the 
land. 

But few can their wily devices withstand. 

o 

REFLECTIONS. 


The beauteous beams of morning 
Have shown themselves again, 
To give another warning 
Unto the sons of men. 

That time is swiftly fiying. 

And death is drawing near, 

’Tis time that all were trying 
Their Lord to love and fear. 


37 


Tihe Judgment Day is coming! 

And must bring joy or woe; 

And all are sure of reaping 
Whatever kind they sow. 

A space of time is given 
Sufficient to secure 
The happiness of heaven 
To all who will endure 

The trials and the crosses, 

Confiding in the Lord, 

And counting all their losses 
But naught to heaven’s reward. 

o 

A FELLOW-PRISONER OF CASTLE 

THUNDER. 


Another fellow-pilgrim 

Has closed his weeping eyes. 

And left this world of sorrow 
For a mansion in the skies. 

His life, a bright example 
To either old or young; 

So patient under suffering — 

No murmur on his tongue. 

Away from home and loved ones. 
Whose face he longed to see. 

And feel those kind caresses. 

The fruits of sympathy. 

Though in the midst of strangers. 
They freely testify 

He was a faithful Christian 
And dreaded not to die. 

’Tis painful now recording 
The death of one so dear; 

Yet by it we are admonished 
The word of God to hear. 

It tells us all are mortal. 

And tending to the grave. 

And that no power earthly 
This mortal life can save. 


38 


WRITTEN ON MY EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY. 


In early life I little thought 
Of living to be old; 

And yet, through grace, I early sought 
To find God’s safety fold. 

But, ah, such hoards of unbelief 
I had no power to rout; 

I saw myself, of sinners chief. 

From mercy’s door shut out. 

And just, indeed, it did appear. 

Because I clearly saw 
That in the past had shown no fear 
To break God’s holy law. 

And long I lay in darkest gloom. 

No star of hope in sight. 

With awful dread of gaping tomb 
Hid in this doleful night. 

And, oh, the anguish of this soul 
In such an awful state. 

Has earnest longings to be made whole. 
But faith seemed still to wait. 

Till one bright beam of love divine 
Melts down the heart of stone. 

And made me willing to resign 
My all to Christ alone. 

A stream of joy pours in the soul. 
Where anguish, just before. 

Had seemed to have complete control. 
Now filled to running o’er. 

The awful, gloomy night is gone. 

And sunshine, bright and clear. 

All nature’s face with beauty shone. 
Saying be of good cheer. 

With many duties crowding fast. 

But done with cheerful hand. 

Have filled all time that now is past. 
Following Christ’s command. 

From boyhood days I carefully read 
The Bible’s sacred page. 

And day by day its hallowed Bread 
Has fed me to old age. 


39 


And now I urge all fellow-men, 

If happy they would be, 

To follow up this Gospel plan 
And get from sin set free. 

It teaches all you need to know 
About the living way; 

If read with care, each one can know 
When he has gone astray. 

o 

THE TONGUE. 


Oh, what a heavy task is laid 
Upon frail mortal man. 

And one, an old desciple said. 

To do you never can. 

This task is what the psalmist gives, 
’Tis safely keep the tongue. 

And if with it you happy live 
It must be broken young. 

For such a wild, ferocious beast 
No man can ever tame; 

At near starvation or at feast 
Runs wild still all the same. 

It must be blind or cannot hear. 

Or has no feeling sense. 

And very destitute of fear. 

Yet cravings most intense. 

It seems its nature to run wild. 

And go without control; 

You see it when a little child — 

It seems to have no soul. 

Then, how can such a thing be kept 
From doing any harm? 

It must be tied with chords of love. 
For love has a wondrous charm. 

And yet the outer man alone 
Such tasks will never do. 

But must get help» before God’s throne 
To carry his purpose through. 

Then will you not at once begin 
To try with all your might 

To keep that member free from sin? 
God help you win the fight! 


40 


For want of a ladder there’s many a fall 
By people attempting to scale a high wall. 

Tho’ they are so simple and easily made, 

Yet often are wanting when pressing their need. 

Many are crippled and suffer great pain; 

For want of a ladder they wish for in vain. 
That building on fire and its inmates asleep, 
Till no chance to save life but by desperate leap 

That often proves fatal or cripples at best 
The unhappy victim and and robs them of rest, 
For want of a ladder sufficiently nigh 
For one to escape from the window most high. 

Many fine buildings have burned to the ground, 
Because not a ladder was there to be found. 
Millions on millons of property lost 
For want of an instrument of so little cost. 

Yet, this damage and loss is exceedingly small. 
When compared with that which on many will 
fall. 

When a ladder is handy and in all things com- 
plete. 

Is it wise not to use it all dangers to meet? 

Yet millions of souls with a ladder at hand 
Are plunging to ruin, a foolhardy band; 

While the great Gospel ladder is offered to all. 
So none that are perishing ever need fall. 

We read of a ladder to old Jacob shown — 

The foot on the ground and the top near God’s 
throne — 

Where God held communion with the Patriarch 
there, 

And readily heard and answered his prayer. 

Now Christ, as that ladder, unites heaven and 
earth, 

Yet none can ascend but through the new birth. 
This doctrine most clearly declared do we find 
Set forth in the Bible for the good of mankind. 

o 

CENTENNIAL POEM. 


The scenes of our noted centennial year 
Will long be remembered by men far and near. 
Whose fortunes allowed them to freely explore 
The mysteries found in America’s store. 


41 


And men from all countries was said to be 
there, 

Beholding the wonders that cost so much care; 
The many inventions of values so great, 

The fruits of brain labor throughout every 
State. 

’Twere vain to attempt a description so plain, 
That any not present could clearly obtain 
But a very faint idea of all that was seen — 

It calls up to mind what was said by the Queen 

Who had heard of the wisdom of Solomon of 
Old, 

But declared, when she saw, that half had not 
been told; 

It so far surpasses what one may conceive — 
All not being witnesses hardly believe. 

But the year, with its memories, are now in the 
past. 

Though fraught with excitement from first un- 
til last; 

Our country, though free in one sense of the 
word. 

Is daily invaded, though not by the sword. 

A foe that is strong is abroad in the land 
And slaying our fellows upon every hand; 

His progress was awful in the last hundred 
years 

And caused quite an ocean of sorrowful tears. 

While war brought its thousands to untimely 
ends. 

This monster has slain, not his foes, but his 
friends. 

And that in vast numbers, ah, milions or more. 
And that on our free American shore. 

We call his name legion and think it quite true. 
As so many names has distinguished his crew: 
Rum, Alcohol, Brandy, Whiskey and Wine — 
The titles he bears clearly show his design. 

While musing and taking a glance at the past. 
From youth to old age, the time has fiown fast. 
And friend after friend have pronounced a fare- 
well. 

And left us the sorrowful story to tell. 


42 


And many have gone to the far better land, 
Because they obeyed their Creator’s command; 
Endured self denial, no matter how great, 

That they might secure everlasting estate. 

Yet multitudes more have gone heedlessly on. 
Indulging their passions, not fearing the frown 
Of Him who shall judge them for what they 
have done. 

But thoughtlessly still in the broad’ run they 
run. 

Forgetting that they must all sink to the tomb 
Before another Centennial shall come; 

That their destiny must be finally sealed. 

And the scenes of eternity clearly revealed. 

How awfully solemn the thought ought to be 
To those who from sin have not yet been set 
free; 

Who never have realized joy in the soul. 

By having been wounded and being made whole. 


The lovers of Jesus can look with delight 
To the time when their faith shall be changed 
into sight; 

When they from all sorrow and pain bid fare- 
well. 

And rise with glorified saints for to dwell. 


In that city of light, where no darkness is 
known. 

Where the King of all Kings sitteth high on His 
throne. 

While the saints cast their glittering crowns at 
His feet. 

And with rapturous joy endless praises repeat. 

Now, who will be there with that glorified 
throng. 

Of all who now hear or shall read this my 
song. 

Ere the next hundred years shall have all pass- 
ed away, 

1 ask now the question; oh, decide while you 
may ! 


43 


Dare any one say I cannot choose yet? 

If you wait for the future you will suffer regret. 

When God has commanded this day for to 
choose, 

Remember, His mercy you slight to refuse. 

Then can it be wise still to harden your heart, 

And grieve your best friend, and thus bid Him 
depart; 

When mercy and pardon He offers you free? 

Accept His salvation and happy you’ll be. 

« 

But if you continue to slight Him you’ll find 

When friends arise to glory they’ll leave you 
behind 

To suffer unspeakable anguish, because 

You slighted God’s Spirit and obeyed not His 
laws. 

In closing my poem I ask you again; 

I appeal to your judgment as rational men; 

Can you not now determine by power divine 

For the future the race of the Christian is 
mine? 


o 

Of factories we often find 
Some very useful to mankind; 
Preparing implements to use 
In many callings we may choose. 

Some render light much menial toil; 
Some largely cultivate our soil; 

Some carry news with lightning speed; 
While others print for us to read. 

Yet factories scattered here and there 
That doom mankind to dark despair; 
The worst of curses in our land, 

Yet patronized on every hand. 

Yet why so many men of sense 
Will show them any countenance 
Has been a mystery profound 
To thinking men the world around. 

These factories do their work by night. 
Or in some den obscured from sight. 

It takes the boys of noble worth 
In gins and traps of jolly mirth. 


44 


It puts them through the old machine 
Along with others low and mean; 

And after they have been put through 
We find them drunkards, tried and true. 

But here’s the thing I want to know: 

Should we make peace with such a foe 
And let our noble youths be slain, 

And yet our souls hear not a stain? ' 

>■ 

The thing most surely is not true; 

This work is left for us to do: 

To sweep these curses from our soil. 

Although it cost increasing toil. 

o 

What pleasure now it gives me to take my old 
quill pen 

To write a composition on three score years 
and ten; 

Because my dear old mother has reached that 
noted age. 

Retaining health and courage to daily still en. 
gage 

In active household labor, such as through life 
has been 

Her pleasure and her profit through three score 
years and ten; 

Still plying loom with vigor, though weary oft 
and faint, 

Believing work the duty of every living saint. 

I oft look back with sorrow for forty years or 
more 

And view the ponderous burden so patiently 
she bore 

In honor of the Master who bore her load of 
pain 

And lengthened out existence to three score 
years and ten. 

Her life a bright example to friends and neigh- 
bors, too, 

But yet was imitated, alas! by very few; 

Yet precept upon precept, and line on line 
again. 

Has been her mode of teaching for three score 
years and ten. 


45 


Her trials and afflictions have oftimes been se- 
vere, " 

Yet on a loving Saviour she cast her every care. 

Steadfast, unmovable, her doctrine long has 
been 

In works of good abounding for three score 
years and ten. 

While memory is reviewing the pages of her 
years. 

But little worldly comfort in any place appears; 

Yet consolations many, as proved both tongue 
and pen. 

Have filled her soul with rapture in three score 
years and ten. 

Yet now, while I am writing, my heart is full 
of care, 

I know she’s growing older and older every 
year; 

That soon we must be parted, but hope to meet 
again 

The other side of Jordan, in three score years 
and ten. 

There to be reunited in songs of endless praise 

To Him whose blood has washed us, who saves 
us by His grace. 

Oh, what a happy meeting, where all are free 
from sin. 

And have no fear of parting in three score 
years and ten. 

But live with loving Jesus, who suffered on the 
tree 

To purchase our redemption and make us truly 
free. 

Oh, precious love, how wondrous, toward the 
sons of men. 

To bear with rebel sinners for three score years 
and ten! 

0 

Oh, how I miss my little boy, now in the spirit 
land. 

Who was so careful to employ his time at my 
command; 

And labored daily to make light the task to me 
assigned. 

In every way with all his might that seemed 
to strike his mind. 


46 


Thus showing what a depth of love was fixed 
within his breast — 

Denying self of things that proved he’d rather 
I should rest. 

I miss him when I walk around, and questions 
he would ask, 

Return to me, though not in sound, to solve 
would be a task. 

Where e’er I go I something see that tells me 
of his care; 

How watchful he, though young, had been, to 
help some burden bear. 

I miss him so, I lonely feel, a heavy' stroke it 
seems, 

Yet God has given grace in need, so light thro’ 
darkness gleams. 

Those who have never been bereft of one so 
kind and true, 

Can never in this life conceive what sorrow I’ve 
passed through; 

And yet it’s only of the fiesh; my spirit rests 
in hope. 

Well knowing that the One who gave drank 
far more bitter cup. 

The thoughts that caused me sorest grief is 
that I’ve been remissed. 

Not dealing with my little boy in view of end- 
less bliss; 

Forgetting that each act and word were for 
eternity. 

And therefore never could be changed to better 
he or me. 

Then from this lesson may we learn to heed the 
Saviour’s voice. 

And live in faithfulness through life and at the 
end rejoice 

With full assurance of a crown that fadeth not 
away. 

Where death is swallowed by life and night in 
endless day. 

o 

The Evergreen Witness is what we propose 

To publish the day our school is to close. 

And many, no doubt, will be struck with sur- 
prise 

That juvenile scholars are growing so wise. 


47 


Yet some, we presume, will conclude in their 
mind 

That the name suits the nicest of all we could 
find; 

And judging from what they have seen hereto- 
fore. 

That many contributors will be green evermore. 

But yet we feel certain that such are deceived, 
And if it prove otherwise we shall be grieved. 
We hope that each writer will strive to excell 
His fellow in wisdom, and doing work well. 

In the various branches they labor to learn, 
Till they can impart them to others in turn. 

As minds are increasing and gaining in power. 
Composition will still become better each hour. 

As God hath regard for the young raven’s cry. 
So the day of small things we should never de- 
spise; 

But ever be watchful and nurture with care 
The intellect given, it may yet become fair. 

Altho’ the contents of this paper may seem 
To some almost worthless and light as a dream. 
Yet if you will carefully notice each page. 

You will surely find something your thoughts 
to engage. 

We therefore now ask the attention of all 
To each of our columns, tho’ their contents be 
small. 

And hope that some idea that they may contain 
Shall lead all to say, ‘T’ve not come here in 
vain.” 

o 

True happines, whence does it spring? 

And what the means most sure to bring 
Its sweetness to our aching hearts? 

A soothing balm for every smart. 

Although great beauty everywhere 
Speaks loudly of our Father’s care; 

Yet natural hearts and eyes discern. 

Little or naught we need to learn. 

But when God’s Spirit’s touch we feel 
Repentance, trust and holy zeal 
In turn pervade the inner man, 

Then first true happiness began. 


48 


Then happier still he seeks to be 
In leading other souls to see 
That earth with all its beauteous flowers 
Can never give true, happy hours. 

But God alone this bliss bestows 
On His true friends, but not His foes, 

And they alone can realize 

The sweets of kindred Christian ties. 

With care they read God’s holy will. 

And strive its precepts to fulflll. 

And in His promises conflde, 

And thus the storms of life outride. 

Where duty calls they gladly go. 

Nor greater pleasures seek to know. 

While on the earth allowed to roam. 

And waiting for the heavenly home. 

Yet happier still a blessed hour 
Beyond the wily tempter’s power — 

Free from all anguish, toil and pain. 

With Christ and all His saints to reign. 

o 

I have frequently heard of this Valley head. 
About which, perhaps, too much has been said; 
Yet still I’m determined to write a line more, 
And hope it may interest both rich and poor. 

The people are clever as any need be. 

Yet one thing is needful, as you can clearly see: 
The lovers of Jesus, who let their light shine. 
Seem fewer by far than lovers of wine. 

Altho’ they are sober, yet danger’s ahead — 

As I fear some will realize when they are dead; 
Yet still I am hopeful the Master will send 
Some instrumentality that will speedily tend 

To happify those who on dangerous ground 
stand. 

And have builded their houses on nothing but 
sand. 

And will lead them to ponder the path of their 
feet. 

And from their old master make hasty retreat 


49 


Before he will plunge them in regions of Woe, 
Where poor unbelievers and hypocrites go. 

I grieve in my heart when I view their lost 
state, 

Knowing thousands delay their repentance too 
late. 

How dreadful the thought that the judgment 
will come, 

And every soul living must there hear their 
doom! 

Then should you not carefully build on the 
Rock 

Of faith, in the Saviour, and stand the dread 
shock 

That the trumpet will produce when the dead it 
shall wake 

And summons to judgment, O, how you will 
quake 

When the terrible sentence — depart — you shall 
hear. 

And sink with damned spirits to endless de- 
spair! 

O, then, let me warn you, while yet it is day. 

To turn to the Saviour and make no delay. 

For Jesus is waiting to welcome you, come; 

His Word and His Spirit says “Yet there is 
room.” 

o 

Wine is a mocker — how remarkably true. 

If you take one dram, you will surely want two, 
And if two you should take, for a third they 
will call. 

And four will not satisfy, nor likely be all. 

It promises pleasure to those who will drink; 
It looks quite alluring, yet surely, I think. 
That wisdom so clearly its character shows 
No one need ignorantly get a red nose. 

For taking a glance at the past he must see 
That those who will follow it never get free; 
But into a terrible bondage are brought, 

And in many ways suffer and labor for naught. 

The more you indulge in its use will you find 
Your thirst still increasing and an unsteady 
mind ; 


50 


i 


A craving for something you seek for in vain — 
A gratification you never obtain. 

Not one in ten thousand who count it a friend, 
And follow its charms all through life that 
' shall end 

Their days with the happiness so long they 
have sought, 

But with shame and remorse will their souls 
then be fraught. 

And thus are they mocked, while with sorrow 
they learn 

That they in dread torment are now doomed to 
burn, 

Because of their folly, when left free to choose, 
The good or the evil, as well as the Jews. 

The choice they have made they now sorely la- 
ment, 

When the time has arrived, when too late to 
repent. 

Lo, now let me say to my friends, young and 
old: 

Do not sell true happiness for spirits or gold; 

But only deny yourselves yet for awhile, 

And let not the mocker your spirits beguile; 
But seek for the pearl of price so immense, 
Which, when you obtain, it will prove a de- 
fense 

Against its allurements that so charm the eye 
As to stop men from business as they’re pass- 
ing by; 

So don’t let this warning to you prove in vain, 
For perhaps I shall never write to you again. 

o 

No tongue, nor pen, on earth can tell 
What Jesus hath in store 
For those His blood hath saved from hell. 

Who, to the end, endure. 

Unsearchable His riches are, 

Nor can exhausted be; 

Eternal ages we may look 

Their length and breadth to see. 

But length and breadth and depth and height 
We never can conceive. 

Because they all are infinite 
For those who do believe. 


51 


Once sunk in sin’s deep, miry clay, 

Without one ray of hope. 

When Jesus passing by that way 
Let down the gospel rope 

And quickly lifted me above 
The vanities of time. 

And bade me feast upon His love. 

And seek a happier clime. 

Assuring me he had prepared 
A mansion in the skies. 

Containing all that precious wealth. 

For which the spirit sighs. 

Now, while I live I long to lead 
Poor sinners in the way. 

And, aided by the Spirit, plead 
That I go not astray. 

But oft, alas! my roving heart 
Will not steadfast remain; 

I find it wandering far and wide, 

No lasting good to gain. 

But yet that wealth unsearchable. 

Still draws my wandering feet; 

O, that I could its glories tell — 

How rich, how vast, how sweet! 

From sin and sorrow we can soar 
Up to that blest abode. 

Where satan tempts the soul no more 
To wander from its God. 

o 

MISSION OF THE BAPTIST BANNER. 


ACCROSTIC. 

To serve the mighty God of heaven. 
Has been the task to me assigned; 
Enormous scope herein is given. 
Because of needs among mankind. 

All kinds of work to elevate 
Poor fallen, sinful, rebel man; 

To lead him from his lost state 
Into salvation’s wondrous plan. 


52 


So many evils cluster round 

To lure men into satan’s snares — 

Be careful, friend, in faith abound. 

All through my course I need your prayers. 

Never surrender to our foes. 

No name but legion fills the bill; 

Encourage right whate’er oppose; 

Rejoice in doing the Saviour’s will. 

The Banner was sent me a year for the 

above. 

o 

When I was but a little boy, to have a bowl of 
toddy. 

Was but a very common thing for almost every- 
body. 

When farmers had their logs to roll, they made 
no calculation. 

But every man must have a dram who got 
an invitation. 

And yet they suffered little harm, and seldom 
'one got groggy. 

In all the country, far or near, you hardly 
found one hoggy. 

The spirits then must have been pure to do so 
little harm. 

With poison it was not infused to give it extra 
charm. 

f 

As population multiplied, and foreigners came 
in. 

Some new experiments were tried by which to 
poison gin; 

So that one half the portion used would make 
the drunk to come. 

That crowds might have a jolly time and mer- 
rily go home. 

But soon the poisoning business ran to such a 
high degree 

That few who undertook to drink but soon 
would groggy be. 

So Christian people soon found out that this 
would never do; 

They were compelled to cease from drink, and 
preach such doctrine, too. 


53 


So now, in this enlightened age, you never see 
a man, 

Who loves his Saviour as he ought, indulging 
in a dram. 

But all seem anxious for to work, this noble 
cause to aid. 

That drunkenness may be destroyed and in its 
grave be laid. 

But yet some men seem not to feel that they 
have ought to do. 

But to profess to love the Lord, and come and 
drink with you. 

No self-denial do they know, nor feel an anxious 
care. 

That fellow-sinners all around should shun the 
fatal snare. 

O, rouse, ye careless, thoughtless souls, ye stum- 
bling blocks, awake! 

Lest friends and neighbors o’er you fall into 
the burning lake! 

But let your light so daily shine, in every word 
and deed. 

That your influence may be felt in this our time 
of need. 

o 

O, mother, dear mother, why do you weep so? 

Or what is the cause of your anguish and woe? 

And can you not And any comfort at all 

In the domain of nature on this earthly ball? 

O, no, my dear child, I will tell you the truth. 

Your father, tho’ sober in the days of his 
youth. 

Has indulged in the habit of taking a dram. 

Till it now proves a lion instead of a lamb. 

We once lived quite happy and prospered in life 

And fancied that nothing would e’er cause 
strife; 

But, oh, how things changed when our fences 
went down. 

And God, in His anger, seemed on us to frown. 

When briers and thorns came up thick all 
around ; 

If we planted or sowed it was soon trampled 
down 

By the stock that could go wherever it chose. 

On account of no fencing its course to oppose. 


54 


Your father grew careless and crusty and sad, 
And trials and hardships soon drove me quite 
mad; 

I worried and fretted, and scolded him, too. 

So see him lay idle and so much to do. 

% 

Yet still he grew harder, and seemed not to 
care 

How soon he should sink into endless despair; 
He showed no regard for my feelings or fate. 
But strove to provoke me, both early and late. 

So now I have nothing with which to buy bread. 
Nor even a place where I might lay my head. 
Your father has wasted our money for grog. 
And brought himself down quite as low as a 
hog. 

My heart is now broken and happiness fled. 

And friends have all left me, and most of them 
dead. 

Forlorn and forsaken I seek for repose, 

But sore anguish forbiddeth my ej^elids to 
close. 

So, darling, we are now turned out in the cold. 
To seek shelter with neither credit nor gold. 

I wonder, some times, if I still might obtain 
The favor of God, who for sinners was slain. 

And hope to attain yet to happiness here, 

A sense of free pardon, a conscience quite clear. 
But when I look over the days I have spent. 

My heart seems too sinful to ever repent. 


But then I remember a sentence I heard 
That was said to be spoken by Jesus, the Lord. 
It was. Come unto Me and I will give you rest, 
Altho’ loaded with sins and you sorely dis- 
tressed. 

So that gives me courage to pray for His 
grace, 

And exercise faith that He will surely bless. 
And make me rejoice through a sense of His 
love. 

And fit me for glory in heaven above. 


55 


Alas! and must we part — 

My darling babe and I? 

It seems to almost break my heart 
To know that thou must die. 

Die, did I say? Ah, no; 

But life just now begins 
Beyond the reach of every foe. 
Unstained by mortal sin. 

Tho’ hard to say farewell 
To one I loved so dear. 

Yet as it is my Saviour’s call, 

. Why should I shed a tear? 

I have a precious hope 
Of meeting thee again. 

Where death in life is swallowed up — 
With Christ in heaven to reign 

0 

A COMMON TRADE. 


There is a trade, a common trade, that people 
learn quite handy. 

And one, to see them at their work, might think 
them eating candy. 

They seem to work their jaws with grace, and 
relish what they’re doing. 

As much as any animal that on their cuds are 
chewing. 

Although their trade has never paid one cent 
or dime in money. 

But yet they’re loath to give it up as a hungry 
bear is honey. 

They willing seem to work for naught, and 
some take pleasure in it. 

And yet it never has been so with those who 
don’t begin it. 

How can it any pleasure give to simply chew to 
spit it? 

And yet but few who learn the trade have ever 
learned to quit it. 

They freely pay five cents a day for such a vain 
delusion. 

And should its cost that price excel, they count 
it no intrusion. 


56 


They count but little on the cost, but willingly 
pay more, 

And never grumble at expense of staining par- 
lor floors. 

The sexton of the church can tell each of these 
tradesmen’s place — 

Their occupation shows itself — he need not see 
their face. 

And if they’re called upon to pray, or bear a 
public part, 

They are sure to throw their cud away before 
they make a start. 

This trade, unlike most other trades, finds not 
a conscience free 

To ask God’s blessing on their work, as no 
good in them be. 

There is a trade quite similar, and quite as 
useful, too, 

And followed to great excess by not a very 
few. 

They smoke a very poisonous weed, supposing 
good to gain; 

They think it strengthens all their nerves and 
drives away their pain. 

Perhaps it strengthens for awhile, just like a 
fever high. 

But weakness soon they feel again, then for a 
smoke they cry. 

Thus do they go from day to day, each week 
throughout the year. 

The nervous system breaking down that noth- 
ing can repair. 

This noted weed has many friends, and warm 
ones, too, no doubt. 

But wherein lies its wondrous good is what 
they don’t make out. 

Yet still they train the little child to follow up 
their trade. 

And never stop to count the cost till a graduate 
they’re made. 

Think of the time that has been spent to raise 
this poisonous weed. 

And fit it up in every shape in which its trades- 
men need ; 


57 


Then turn and fancy all that time well spent 
in clearing land 

For grazing purposes alone — would not the 
sight be grand? 

Millions of souls, no doubt, would be enjoying 
vigorous health, 

Who have been poisoned by that plant, uncon- 
scious of its death. 

Still to enjoy the beauteous scenes presented 
to our view. 

The fruits of all that wasted toil would droop- 
ing hopes renew. 

Yet to regret such wasted time and strive to 
make amends 

Is what should be our business now among both 
foes and friends. 

To teach the young to never raise nor use this 
weed at all. 

But spend the time in raising food to suit both 
great and small. 

Then might we hope to see the dawn of bright- 
er, better days. 

When all the works of man should join to cele- 
brate the praise 

Of Him that did create the world and all that 
is therein. 

Except alone the accursed thing the Bible 
calleth sin. 


o 

When will the time come that all can write 
In the choice of school teachers by lot. 

That we may select those we know will do right 
And their learning have not all forgot? 

To start out young children to take up a school, 
Who never have discipline known. 

Is not acting wisely, as a general rule. 

As many have already shown. 

And older folks still are sometimes employed. 
With qualifications not theirs. 

And with such we often have been much an- 
noyed. 

Yet our share of expenses must bear. 


58 


About one out of three, on an average, we find, 
Who both govern and teach pretty well; 

The remainder, you see, are mostly inclined 
Just merely their pockets to swell. 

Those who act from principle, and prove day by 
day. 

That they do just the best they know. 

Can better, a great deal, be borne with than 
those 

Who are seeking alone to make a show. 

No one, as a teacher, should people employ, 
Who has not been sprightly to learn 
The various branches they offer to teach. 

And impart them to others in turn. 

All those who may lack such a talent should be 
Admonished some business to try. 

That they can learn easy and quite clearly see 
If they look with but half of an eye 

That this was the calling their Maker designed. 
That they should engage in for life; 

So all should be watching the bent of their 
mind. 

Whether children, or husband, or wife. 

For all have a calling without any doubt. 

That God, in His wisdom, has made. 

That will suit them the best if they only make 
out 

And follow it up for a trade. 

0 

Consistency, thou jewel rare. 

Why not at the great celebration? 

Where the hundred pound guns were leveled 
to bear 

On the cause of State Rights and Secession? 

When all their munitions were nearly con- 
sumed. 

And the monsters both fought to the ground. 
Their dreadful remains completely entombed 
And their victors rejoicing around. 

To see resurrected both body and soul. 

And decked with superlative grandeur 
The sum they destroyed made every whit whole, 
Altho’ they seem acting with candor. 


59 


They fairly confessed West Virginia withdrew 
From their fond, yet tyrannical mother; 

They said what she did she had right to do, 
And not be led wrong by another. 

I again will insist on a reason or two. 

Why consistency was not in attendance. 

To shrink from the truth I don’t care to do, 
Tho’ I expose those who’ve gained the as- 
cendance. 

The garment I’ve worn now for centuries past 
Is of late held in great dispute 

By government officials from first unto last. 

So my presence, I knew, would not suit. 

Now, that’s all the reason I could not be there. 
For I never have worn any other. 

And yet it appears none the worse for the wear, 
This truth I no longer need smother. 

I dwell with the meek and lowly in life. 

Where religion is more than a name. 

Abhorring the spirit that stirreth up strife. 
Thereby to secure wealth or fame. 

o 

» Dear friends, alas! may temperance pledge I 
have already broken. 

And I again am sharing the tyrant’s gauling 
yoke 

And have no power left me to gain my liberty. 

So I am in sore bondage, tho’ anxious to be 
free. 

Then help me, friend, I ask you, and do not me 
forsake, 

Remember how your Saviour unto the woman 
spake; 

Altho’ He knew her guilty. He would not her 
condemn. 

Then pardon me at present, for mercy is a gem. 

I know I’m undeserving because I did so 
wrong 

In listening to the tempter’s alluring syren 
song. 

When other ’voices whispered. Don’t yield, but 
firmly stand 

Against the combined forces of Satan and his 
band. 


60 


But yet not seeking power from Him who had 
to give, 

But in a fatal hour the tempter’s bait receive; 

Then to my heart’s great sorrow I saw how 
vain, indeed, 

Was mortal resolution; so guilty now I plead. 

Ashamed to view my weakness, when once I 
felt so strong, 

But now cannot do better than own my former 
wrong. 

And strive to e’er remember the bitter lesson 
learned. 

Unlike the dog we read of that to his vomit 
turned. 

I look around and tremble, and dread the tempt- 
er’s charm, 

And often feel discouraged and justly take 
alarm; 

Yet what can it all profit while I am in the 
snare? 

My weakness is my folly — I must continue 
there. 

No mortal power can save me, unaided from on 
high. 

And so I think it useless for any one to try; 

Yet all who are true Christians, who know a 
Saviour’s love. 

Should e’er be up and doing their faith by 
works to prove. 

Could I but be a Christian, and feel the power 
Divine, • 

To help resist temptation, and know that 
Christ is mine, 

I then might gather courage to fight the battle 
through ; 

If I once failed to conquer, the conflict I’d 
renew. 

But as I have no helper on whom I can rely, 

I cannot face the monster and all his powers 
defy; 

Then pray for me, my comrades, perhaps the 
Lord will hear. 

And give relief from trouble and make my 
pathway clear. 


0 


61 


And aid me to be steadfast, my pledge to break 
no more, 

And lead me to repentance, yea, help divine I 
implore. 

I want to be a Christian, not one alone in name, 

A lover of the Saviour, who for us suffered 
shame. 

I do abhor pretences, without a work at heart. 

And while I keep my senses I want no such a 
start ; 

But when I get religion I want the kind that’s 
pure, 

That regulates the conduct and will the prize 
secure. 

With that I shall be happy, although the world 
may frown. 

Most gladly would I bear it and strive to give 
a crown 

Of glory all unfading, tho’ I unworthy be. 

When I’m a true believer ’tis then secured to 
me. 

How can I then refuse it, no longer I’ll delay — 

Now is the time accepted — now is the Gospel 
day. 

I hear the voice of mercy, and will its warnings 
heed — 

I’ll give my all to Jesus, in this my time of need. 

Assured that He is able to keep me to the end. 

If once I fully trust Him, He will become my 
Friend, 

That never will forsake me, tho^ earthly friends 
should fail. 

He says He will not leave me — through Him I 
shall prevail. 

o 

Now, what is the object to which thy heart 
clings? 

The most of all else among temporal things? 

Is it to thy beauty or fashion and show? 

Or anything earthly or seen here below? 

Or is it your hope of high station in life? 

Or is it your prospect for husband or wife? 

Or is your heart longing for silver or gold? 

Or for horses and cattle, like many of old? 


« 


62 


Or is it desire to have a great name 
As statesman, or warrior, or artist of fame? 
Or are your thoughts centered on children or 
friend, 

Either living or dead. To my question attend. 

For careful attention is what we demand 
To the momentous subject we now have in hand. 
The Word of our Saviour sets forth in true 
light 

If earth holds our love that our heart is not 
right. 

He bids us to set our affections on high, 

For as the tree falleth, just so it must lie; 

And so if our treasure or object of love 
Is anything earthly we look not above. 

The point I am making I wish clearly seen. 
That no one may fail to know just what I mean. 
I take the position, and think it quite clear 
That old-fashioned idolatry is extant far and 
near. 

The same that the Lord by the prophets fore- 
told. 

And its friends are now getting quite shame- 
lessly bold. 

Although they seem ignorant, and innocence 
plead. 

The Bible condemns them if it they would 
heed. 

But while precious time is so lavishly spent 
In adorning in style this clay tenement. 

They cannot take time for to heed Christ’s 
command 

To study His teachings and know how th% 
stand. 

Whether their heart is condemned by His Word, 
Or whether acquitted and at peace with their 
Lord. 

Such matters, most weighty of all to be found. 
Get little attention the country around. 

If they hear that idolatry is getting a hold 
On American soil, they at once think of gold. 
As an idol so common that some are agreed 
That its power on our nation is wondrous in- 
deed. 


63 


Yet they turn not their thoughts to a legion or 
more 

That America’s daughters and sons now adore. 
For undue attachment to a temporal thing 
Dethrones Christ the Saviour and makes it 
their king. 

For He declares plainly He must have the 
whole heart, 

As the space is too small for to take hut a part. 
So this makes it easy to know without doubt 
If Christ is our portion all else is left out. 

But if your thoughts dwell on self or attire, 
And feel not a burning, increasing desire 
To honor your Maker, and take great delight 
In searching the Scriptures by day and by 
night; 

The tempter has gotten your feet In a snare 
By deluding your soul with his promises fair. 
Just as he did Eve and led her to transgress. 
And brought on her children such awful dis- 
tress. 

To name all the idols that now are adored. 

And prized far more highly than the Word of 
the Lord, 

Would fill too much space for my sheet to con- 
tain. 

So I name but a few that seem destined to 
reign. 

The first on the list we call silver and gold, 
And this is an idol exceedingly old. 

The next one in stature is fashionable pride, 
And tho’ such a monster he has for a bride 

One nearly his equal in both height and size 
That people of fortune most commonly prize. 
We call her the organ or music of hand. 

And many regard her the queen of the land. 

Extolling her beauty to such a high pitch, 

She holds them spell-bound like an olden-time 
witch; 

They want her at church and at home for to 
lead — 

In all their devotions she is just what they need 


64 


To give life and vigor to all that they do; 

Her presence is needful to many or few. 

They seem at a loss to know how to begin 
To worship the Lord or the sinner to win; 

Unless she is present to lead in the song, 

And give inspiration to the stammering tongue. 
They think that the Sabbath school, temperance 
and church 

That lose her assistance can never do much. 

The preaching and praying and lecturing, all 
Led by vocal music seem terribly small. 

They think for success they must have a big 
noise 

To quiet the babies and please girls and boys. 

If an interest is felt in the temperance cause, 
Or any department of business it draws; 

With power that prompts its true friends for 
to work. 

With no disposition of any to shirk. 

So now let me say here, with candor to all. 

If the music of organs is our strength we must 
fall; 

For nothing but power divine can sustain 
Any cause of the Bible — human power is but 
vain. 

So now, for the sake of our Master, let’s hear 
No more of this idol till “Centennial year,” 

And cast it with all its equals away 

And study your Bibles and be sure it will pay. 

o 

TO A SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION. 


Fellow comrades, as you gather 
All around from far and near, 

I would very gladly meet you; 

Also wish you all good cheer. 

Over fifty years of service 

Have I spent within your sphere; 
Though perforrhed in utter darkness. 
Yet the Master still seems near. 

My labor in the Sunday school 
Oft afforded me delight. 

While harmonizing with God’s Word 
I ever felt it to be right. 


65 


Striving to impart instruction 
Both to children and to youth, 

That their hopes might early center 
In the mighty God of truth. 

“Be not weary in well doing,” 

Gracious words imparting strength. 

Standing with the promise reaping 
Time that is to come at length. 

If I win only one dear soul 

From the dreadful paths of sin. 

Oh! what joy will be in heaven. 

When the new life doth begin. 

Working with the blessed Master, 
Greatest privilege on earth; 

Never need to fear disaster, 

Moving with His power forth. 

Yet without Him can do nothing. 

Though we toil with mortal might. 

All our efforts prove abortive 
If we leave Him out of sight. 

Fellow Christians, hear this message: 
Never falter in God’s work. 

Though great numbers get discouraged 
And from labor try to shirk. 

Kindly treat, yet urge them onward. 
Strive to keep them still in line; 

If they truly are converted. 

Then their light begins to shine. 

Every one must share temptation. 

As our blessed Saviour did; 

Trials and afflictions often 

Work for good, though from us hid. 

As God’s purposes are secret. 

Never fully shown to men. 

Mortal comprehension darkened 
By the deadly power of sin. 

To try faith we are admonished 
Far to walk, and not by sight; 

Search the Scriptures is the order 
From which we can draw much light. 


66 


By the Holy Spirit’s leading 
We are taught the Father’s will, 
And by His all-wise assistance 
We his purposes fulfill. 

Thus in every Christian effort 
To advance our fellows’ good, 

God but uses us as agents — 

Let this truth be understood. 

That each one endowed with talents. 
Only was a servant still. 

Under equal obligations 
All His precepts to fulfill. 

So I urge each fellow worker 
In our blessed Master’s cause: 

Do your best for God, your helper; 
Never seek for man’s applause. 

But the glory of the Father — 

Let it be your only aim. 

And your work will surely prospe>- 
In the loving Saviour’s name. 

o 

Fellow pilgrims, have you never 
Had a bright and buoyant hope 
Of the glorious bliss of heaven 

When our earthly scenes close up? 

And you labor on with courage. 
Doing what before you lies. 
Trusting to the Spirit’s leading. 

Ever anxious to be wise. 

Daily seeking useful lessons 
From the Holy, Sacred page. 
Highly prizing all God’s blessings 
Lavished on us in this age. 

When some thoughts of a vacation 
From your toils so long pursued. 
Strikes you and a strong sensation 
Leaves you in a happy mood. 

Thinking “Now I’ll go a-fishing 
And enjoy a needed rest,” 

And, like many others, wishing 
That your efforts may be blest 


67 


Yet in all your calculation, 

Selfishness was in the lead, 

Not considering God’s glory-- 

The motive power all should Imed. 

As old Peter and his fellows 

Toiled, yet spent the night in vain, 

So we often have been guilty. 

And our souls have shared the stain. 

But as day is beaming brightly. 

And our boat is nearing shore. 

Soon we find the Saviour near us. 
Speaking kindly as before. 

Not reproving for our folly. 

Going without His command. 

But instructs us to continue 
Fishing for the souls of men. 

Peter’s order was made clearer; 

Cast the net on the right side; 

Now he’s sure of great abundance 
When he takes God’s Word as guide. 

So our labor days are passing. 

Swiftly drawing to their close; 

Seek no more for a vacation 
In this land controlled by foes. 

o 

Fellow Christians, are you willing 
At the judgment day to stand. 

As a friend to the greatest evil 
Ever known in any land? 

A license to deal out destruction 
To poor, feeble, mortal men. 

For a paltry sum of blood-stained money, 
Destroy the lives of all he can. 

If you vote for prohibition, 

All such license to deny. 

You will surely stand acquited 
And your enemy defy. 

And as they are multiplying. 

And an army in array. 

All the power of God defying — 

Rouse! Be ready for the fray! 


G8 


If the forces of Jehovah 
Could be gathered into line, 

And the Spirit’s power within them 
Was allowed to shine — 

Satan’s host would soon be scattered, 

And their fortress battered low. 

And a host of Christian freemen 
Gain the triumph o’er their foe. 

But while thousands, still called Christians. 

Are allied with satan’s host. 

Long and hard will be the struggle. 

E’er we reach a peaceful coast. 

But the word is “Be not weary,” 

In due season we shall reap. 

If our trust is in the Mighty, 

Who will not forsake His sheep, 

O, ye Christians! Look around you. 

View the wrecks already made: 

While your slumbering indifference 
Failed to render timely aid 

To the few who had enlisted 
For the right to never yield 
Till the devil’s force was vanquished 
And they routed from the field. 

Until then we must continue. 

Pressing onward for the right, 

For God and home and native land 
We will not cease to fight 

Until no mortal has the right 
To barter alcohol. 

Or any other poisonous thing 
That damns the human soul. 


Do your work and murmur not. 
Never shrink from duty; 

If you have a painful lot, 

Have patience — she’s a beauty. 

For beauty is as beauty does; 

Then shun and hate disputing; 
Remember angry words but prove 
Old satan’s vile polluting. 


69 


Ever shun him as a leader, 

For all he urges you to do, 

You’ll find to be a trouble-breeder 
And leads to endless woe. 

Murmuring and disputing 
Are daily his delight. 

Because it is polluting 

And draws you from the right. 

Then do as God has told you. 
Because He is your Friend, 

And seeks to make you happy 
Until your days shall end. 

Then don’t forget this lesson 
In all your future days; 

Depend upon God’s blessing — 

He leads in wisdom’s ways. 

And every kind of labor 
You do along your line. 

Show kindness to your neighbor; 
Don’t murmur nor repine. 

For wisdom’s ways are pleasant 
For all who walk therein; 

They never lead to sorrow. 

And always free from sin. 

0 


Just fourteen years of my life now is past 
Since first I beheld the light of the sun; 

And have I well used the time flown so far 
As I know would be blest when my journey is 
done? 

Now I felt anxious most surely to know 
What God hath designed me to do here below; 
And with a willing heart and a ready mind 
Do whatever on me seems to be enjoined. 

If so, it is well; possibilities are great 
To those who choose wisely and still perse- 
vere; 

They will surely attain to a gracious estate 
At the winding up of this mortal career. 


70 


Each child God endows with a rational mind 
Is made for wise purpose and surely designed 
To bring to Him glory in life or in death; 

How vastly important, then, to have living 
faith; 

Which conieth by reading and hearing His 
Word, 

' Carried home by the Spirit direct from the 
Lord; 

A true growth of grace springs up in the soul. 
And by aid of the Spirit our hearts we con- 
trol. 


To secure free salvation, while now in your 
teens. 

It would be quite a task to point out all it 
means; 

To sum up in few words, it is live for the Lord, 
And when your race ends a bright crown of re- 
ward. 

Yet that is but only a part of the truth, 

But faithfully living and laboring for God 
Among your associates in days of your youth. 
Might thereby lead many to the heavenly road. 


So now are you ready and settled in mind 

To seek for the good and the bad leave behind. 

And follow the path that is pleasant indeed. 

And easily followed if each traveler takes heed; 

And follow his guide hook and compass with 
care. 

He never need stumble or be caught in a 
snare ; 

But those who may fancy they need not a 
guide 

Learn lessons of sorrow with their faith sorely 
tried. 


Yet many we find, as we’re passing along. 

That are only children, tho’ of mature years; 
For want of God’s truth that makes Christians 
grow strong 

They often are found to shed many sad tears. 


71 


Then let me admonish you, as a true friend, 

To these few reflections your attention please 
lend; 

If so, then your life will be one of much joy 
That all powers of darkness can never destroy. 

o 

PRISON TRIP IN WAR TIME IN 1863. 


Five of us militia captains were to Castle Thun- 
der sent. 

Where, flve weeks in slow succession, in this 
wretched place we spent, 

When an order, unexpected, came to take us to 
Camp Lee, 

Where the officers were waiting Upshur’s sorry 
boys to see. 

When we reached the noted office of imprison- 
ment, there we found 

We no longer now were foemen, but compelled 
to go the round. 

Over to the farm of Chaffin, where the Con- 
scripts were all sent. 

There to live quite near starvation, with the 
mind all discontent. 

But we strove against impatience, hoping for 
the time to come 

When the Lord, the great Deliverer, would con- 
duct us safely home. 

So, twenty-ninth day of November came with 
orders for to march 

Out to old Hanover Junction, ready there to 
bear our parts 

In a battle then expected between Lee and Gen- 
eral Mead — 

Conscripts threatened with destruction if they 
did not take the lead. 

But the Lord appeared in mercy to direct our 
minds to make 

A bold effort for that freedom of which our 
fathers spake. 

So, the first night of December, in the year of 
sixty-three. 

We started from Hanover Junction and ob- 
tained our liberty. 


72 


Through the lonely woods we wandered, steer- 
ing course to the north-west, 

Till we reached a pleasant mansion, where we 
got a Sabbath’s rest. 

Here our number was diminished, one kind 
friend we had to leave. 

With our journey far from finished, causing all 
our hearts to grieve. 

By affliction here this comrade was compelled 
to stay for days. 

And call in an old physician who was living 
near the place. 

Four of us resumed our journey o’er the moun- 
tains far to roam; 

On the Nineteenth of December safely we ar- 
rived at home. 

Hoping that our friend was better, we enjoyed 
ourselves most fine. 

Yet from him received no letter, being left in 
Rebel line. 

Patiently for weeks we waited the glad tidings 
for to hear, 

That our friend had landed safely, his afflicted 
wife to cheer. 

So in January early the glad news was spread 
around 

That our left, afflicted comrade had reached 
home both safe and sound. 













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